Home Fuel Saving Tips

Insulating hot water pipes and hot air vents can save up to 35 percent on wasted heat. (See References 4.)

Cooking and heating fuels, such as natural gas, propane and oil, can become a drain on your family's finances, especially during the colder winter months. A comprehensive approach to reducing fuel costs begins with fuel-burning appliances like furnaces, but also encompasses the entire home. Insulation, windows, doors, thermostat settings and usage patterns all affect heating use. Improving the efficiency of any of these features will help reduce your fuel costs.

Thermostat Settings

Your home temperature settings are an important determinant of fuel costs from heating. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that a reduction of 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit in thermostat settings, for just eight hours daily, can save about 10 percent annually on heating bills (see References 1). Turning down the thermostat at night and when you're out of the house will also help save on fuel costs. The Department of Energy suggests 68 degrees as the winter thermostat setting for when your home is occupied during the day.

Insulation

Insulating your basement, attic and outer walls helps retain heat inside your home. Outer wall insulation is especially valuable in cold and windy areas. Foam, fiberglass and "spray" insulation are all options depending on the area's accessibility and dimensions. If your house is old, it's a good idea to survey the existing insulation to see whether it meets modern efficiency and safety standards, and whether it has become waterlogged or otherwise worn over time (see References 2, 3).

Windows and Doors

Old windows and doors can become a source of drafts that drain heat from your home. A combination of proper insulation and draft sealing can reduce heating costs by up to 20 percent, according the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (see References 3). Drafts can be detected by feel or by using a lit cigarette or candle to check for airflow that influences the smoke or flame. Caulking, sealant and weather stripping can be used to help seal drafts around windows and door frames, and are all available at home improvement stores. Remember to check for drafts in attics and storage rooms, as well as living spaces.

Water Heating

Heating water is a substantial source of home energy use. Ascertain your water heater's capabilities, and check that the temperature isn't set higher than necessary. While 140 degrees Fahrenheit is a standard default setting on many models, 120 degrees or below may be all the heat you need. According to the EPA, the savings can be substantial --- every 10-degree reduction in water temperature can lower energy bills by 3 to 5 percent (see References 4, 5).

Closed Rooms and Auxiliary Heating

Consider whether you need all your rooms heated throughout the winter. Closing doors and vents to unoccupied storage areas, attics and other empty spaces can reduce the burden on a central heating system and make it easier to heat the lived-in areas of your home. If a particular room of your home is a heating "problem area," try a small electric or auxiliary heater to help warm that space. A portable space heater costs less to operate than your house-wide climate control system, and can produce better results in hard-to-heat spaces.

In the Kitchen

You can also save fuel in the kitchen by cooking efficiently. Use the smallest-size pot you can for the food you're preparing. Instead of a standard full-size oven, try using a toaster oven or stove top when preparing smaller meals. When using your oven, leave the door closed as much as possible to retain heat. For dishes like stew or soup, using a slow cooker or crockpot that will save energy and fuel (see References 6).

About the Author

Aaron Zvi has been a writer and photojournalist for 10 years in Washington, D.C., and the Middle East. A student of political science and psychology from the University of Maryland, he also does technical and market analysis for a green technology company. His work has appeared in local newspapers, commissioned research and a patent or two. He began writing professionally in 1998.